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• The biannual Boehringer Ingelheim FENS Research Award is endowed with 25 000 Euro
• Award honors outstanding research of young scientists (under the age of 40) in the field of neuroscience
• Research in human genetic disorders in disease such as autism, epilepsy and intellectual disability

Ingelheim, Germany/Copenhagen, Denmark, 04 July 2016 – This year's Boehringer Ingelheim FENS Award was granted to Gaia Novarino from the Institute of Science and Technology in Klosterneuburg, Austria.

The award is presented in Copenhagen today during the 10th Forum of European Neuroscience 2016. The prize winner will give a plenary lecture at the meeting.

Gaia Novarino’s outstanding scientific work has been on genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying human genetic disorders in disease such as autism, epilepsy and intellectual disability.

Dr. Gaia Novarino is a
medical doctor and group
leader at the institute of
Science and Technology
Austria in Klosterneuburg,
Austria.

Her particular research aims to identify and study genes underlying inherited forms of such cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders.
In the past few years, she was able to identify and study mutations in genes associated with a potentially treatable (and reversible) form of autism (the Branched Chain Ketoacid Dehydrogenase Kinase (BCKDK) gene). Further, she was able to identify 18 previously unknown genes relevant in intellectual disability and epilepsy and demonstrated that many of such known and candidate genes are highly interconnected.

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect millions of people, and are often refractory to treatments. Not infrequently autism spectrum disorder phenotypes, intellectual disability and epilepsy are coexisting, suggesting the existence of common molecular mechanisms underlying these syndromes. The causes of epilepsy and autism remain unknown for the majority of cases. Of these, a significant number have a genetic basis and many causative genes remain to be identified.

Her working group investigates the regulation of local interactions and integration of synaptic inputs in nerve cells (pyramidal neurons) at the hippocampus. The group explores the role of these effects in the generation of functional neuronal ensembles.

"We are proud of having the opportunity to honour outstanding research of young scientists in Neuroscience for the eighth time now. Gaia Novarino’s work will contribute to a better understanding of the intricate interplay of specific nerve cells in complex networks from a temporal perspective and could ultimately deliver entry points for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is a pleasure to honour her with the Boehringer Ingelheim FENS Research Award." said Bernd Sommer, Vice President of Neuroscience Research at Boehringer Ingelheim.

“I am excited to receive this award, since my entire scientific career has been oriented toward the identification and understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying human genetic disorders. We will hopefully one day understand the genetic mutations responsible for neurodevelopmental disease such as autism, epileptic encephalopathies and intellectual disability far better ", said Dr. Novarino receiving the Award Certificate during the 10th forum of European Neuroscience.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally through 145 affiliates and a total of some 47,500 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects through, for example, the initiative “Making More Health” while also caring for employees. Respect, equal opportunity and reconciling career and family form the foundation of mutual cooperation. The company also focuses on environmental protection and sustainability in everything it does.